This year I’m dishing up my advice for holiday gifts and each and every product suggested here is something I own or have had a decent amount of time to play with. I will try to highlight a few gifts that will be perfect for just about anyone.
Gifts for Travelers
1. Satechi Smart Travel Router + Charger
The Satechi Smart Travel Router + Charger is a really unique gadget because not only does it allow you to charge devices regardless of what continent you happen to be on but it also serves as a wireless router. The Satechi Travel Charge + Router is so small it will fit in your palm which makes it perfect for travelers who are conscious about how much gear they are packing with them.
I know this device is going to come in handy in my upcoming travels to Europe and I have tested it at home on standard American outlets.
2. OGIO Gambit 17″ Laptop Backpack
The OGIO Gambit 17″ Laptop Backpack is my go to backpack when I travel, and I use it as a carry on so I can keep my tablet, DSLR, Macbook and other gear secure and within arm’s reach. I have owned a number of high-end backpacks, but nothing has come close to OGIO’s Gambit Backpack.
The quality of the design and comfort under a full load plus all the space and protection for my gear makes this the only backpack I’ll trust.
3. Anker Astro 3E 10000 mAh External Battery
I have been a big fan of Anker’s line up of gadgets for some timebut my favorite product is their Astro 3E 10000 mAh External Battery. The Anker offers me multiple recharges for my smartphone whenever I’m on the go and don’t have access to a power outlet. I keep this External Battery on hand whenever I’m playing Ingress or flying somewhere.
4. ThinkTank Speed Racer V2.0 DSLR Bag
If you know me well, then you would know my DSLR Camera is almost always hanging over my shoulder in a ThinkTank Speed Racer V2.0 DSLR Bag.
This speed bag not only has cushioning to protect my Nikon from a drop but also offers up plentiful space for extra lenses, cleaning brush and other tools of the photography trade. I’m impressed that ThinkTank went so far as to include a rain cover which lets me go out in the elements and grab shots of weather.
Gifts for Geeks
I have been a big fan of the Quirky Pivot Power ever since Ben Kaufman the CEO of Quirky sent me one to check out. I had originally heard about Quirky and the Pivot Power from fellow geek Joe Tech who was actually a co-inventor of the Pivot Power.
Anyways, this power strip is like no other because it really flexes to fit almost any use. I have one in my bedroom and office and really enjoy the innovative design.
Horse Masks are so last year but if you really want to impress your friends you will take it nordic and sport a Classic Beard Head.
The folks at Beard Head sent me there Viking and classic beard heads earlier this yearand they have brought plenty of enjoyment over the months.
3. Fitbit Flex
These days Fitness bands are coming out every couple of months, but Fitbit still reigns in as king of fitness accessories. I own the Fitbit Flex and have had pretty great success with it and enjoy challenging my friends to getting fit together.
I have had the Fitbit Zip but really didn’t like losing it in the washer so switched to the Fitbit Flex which tracks sleep, steps and has a built in alarm. One thing I like most is I can choose any color and actually have a Ubuntu Orange band.
The KeyPort Slide 2.0 is the best gadget of the year in my book. It really disrupts something most folks don’t give much thought to that being the keys to our home and cars. The KeyPort Slide 2.0 allows you to keep all of your keys into an organized and neat form factor.
One thing I like most of all is that the KeyPort Slide 2.0 supports USB Thumbdrive insert which means I can keep all my important files in my pocket.
5. Foldable.Me
Just a few months ago the folks at Foldable.me sent me some fan mail. They sent me a miniature foldable.me which is essentially a cut out that you assemble into 3D form which becomes a miniature cartoon version of me.
Anyways Foldable.me is a pretty affordable and entertaining gift that just about anyone will get enjoy.
Well that is all for now but I will be updating this 2013 Holiday Gift Guide over the coming week or two with more excellent gift ideas and new categories.
